Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for travel writing
The Soul of Seoul
By Linda Tancs
Seoul has been the capital of South Korea for 600 years, but this city is far from antiquated. In fact, among its many tributes to royalty and tradition lies a cultural renaissance in the making. Find out more at Travelrific® Radio.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services related to Korean tourism.
Sleep On It
By Linda Tancs
Longer security lines and increased check-in requirements mean headaches for early morning travelers. Worried about missing your flight? If you’re prone to misjudge the time it will take from breakfast table to tarmac, then maybe you need a sleepover. At many airports, you can get a deal on a nearby hotel–and a headstart on that check-in line. Sweet dreams.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Imelda’s Paradise
By Linda Tancs
Last summer the famously opulent Parisian department store Galeries Lafayette opened a shoe department. Big deal, you say? Well, how many shoe departments have you seen that span almost 35,000 square feet? As you would imagine, there’s something for every budget, from flip-flops to Ferragamos. Imelda Marcos, the shoe-happy former First Lady of the Philippines, would no doubt find it heavenly.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Take the Stress Out of Travel
By Linda Tancs
Taxis, touts, ATMs, currency conversions, visa requirements….It’s enough to make you want to stay home peacefully rather than pull your hair out. Relax, there’s a way to take the stress out of travel. Although it may seem like a misnomer, IHateTaxis helps you find the right transportation (taxis included) to your hotel door worldwide and gives other helpful information to you, too, with country profiles.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
A Suite Makeover
By Linda Tancs
Haven’t you always wanted your cruise cabin to feel more like home sweet home? Crystal Cruises has updated its Symphony suites to include floor-to-ceiling windows, dining space, tech gadgets and–the pièce de résistance–an all crystal pedestal sink in the powder room. Let’s be crystal clear–this is high luxe on the high seas.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Old Charm in Crete
By Linda Tancs
Rethymno, one of the four provinces of Crete, is its third largest city, offering views of the White Mountains in the West and Mount Psiloritis in the East. There’s more to this metropolis than meets the eye, however. In fact, there’s plenty of retro in this metro. Consider the postcard-perfect harbor with its wooden boats. Or the cobbled streets. Or the fortress in the old town section, built by the Turks to protect against invaders. Not to mention the Venetian-style mansions. All this and great beaches, too. Festival season starts later this month, so start packing. Ferries depart daily from Athens.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Consumer Reports for Travelers
By Linda Tancs
Anyone who has ever been stranded on an airplane for multiple hours may appreciate the new regulations to take effect requiring airlines to limit tarmac delays and provide basic necessities onboard. These regulations, however, won’t require airlines to post complaint data on their Web sites. For that you should check the monthly Air Travel Consumer Report. There you’ll find a host of information concerning flight delays, mishandled baggage, oversales, consumer complaints related to disability or discrimination, customer service reports to the Transportation Security Administration, and reports related to the loss, injury or death of animals. Check out the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, too, for more information.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Body Scans at Airports Cause Consternation
By Linda Tancs
In light of recent terror threats against the U.S., the Government has renewed interest in the full body scanners deployed in limited release among U.S. airports as previously reported in this blog. Moreover, the Government has requested that international airports around the world adopt the devices as well. London Heathrow will reportedly begin using the machines. Reports from France indicate that the machines will also be in use in some of their airports, initially to search U.S.-bound travelers. Contrary to fears, officials report that the machines do not emit harmful radiation and are safe for pregnant women and those with cancer in their health profile. Of course, health is only one concern; the prospect of one’s contours being up for public inspection has private advocates reeling. Are you ready for your close-up? Let’s hear the views–pro and con.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
The Cross Toss in Bulgaria
By Linda Tancs
Today marks the Feast of the Epiphany, popularly celebrated as the twelfth day following Christmas when the three kings visited with baby Jesus. In Sofia, Bulgaria, the event is marked with a dive into an icy cold lake to retrieve a cross thrown by an Eastern Orthodox priest. The winning recipient risks a little momentary hypothermia for the promise of a blessing of good health throughout the year. The losers had better take their vitamins.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
Tallest Building in the World
By Linda Tancs
In the UAE’s most populous city, Dubai, a phoenix has risen. That would be Burj, the world’s tallest building. Rising to an astounding 2717 feet, let’s hope that the glass and metal behemoth does not become a white elephant in this tropical climate suffering from a different sort of meltdown–that is to say, financial. Architectural gem or monument to the excesses of a golden era? You decide.
DISCLOSURE OF NO MATERIAL CONNECTION
The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.


